Month: May 2016

Cosmopolitan Hotel – Tribeca

The “Taste” of Tribeca

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food-festivalFor more than two decades, Tribecans have been privy to sample a wide variety of treats from the Taste of Tribeca Festival.  Tribeca’s top eateries are participating in this program which not only helps people enjoy the fun flavors from around the city, but also raises funds for local public schools’ enrichment programs.

Now in its 22nd year, this “foodie fund-raiser” provides locals with the opportunity to “taste their way” through 65+ top restaurants in the hood.  According to co-chair of the program Claude Arpels, this thus gives everyone a chance “to come and sample the neighborhood – you pay 45 bucks and you get to try food from so many restaurants. It would certainly cost you a lot more to go and eat a full meal at every one.”

This really is financially a great deal – to pay a mere $45 to enjoy 700 “tastes” is phenomenal.  And then to know that you are doing your bit for the community – kids benefiting from food-funded arts programs in the area – really makes it even tastier.  If you think about each item of food costing around $5-10, it doesn’t take a genius to realize how worth it with the Math.

As well as the Taste of Tribeca, locals can enjoy the much newer beer and cider tour that started last year by Arpels which is coming back again this year.

Entertainment

Musical News

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musicEast Village’s Third Street Music School Settlement is celebrating 121 years at its yearly Spring Gala.  Having opened in 1894, this makes it the longest-running community music school in the US.   Today, over 5,000 students receive musical instruction and it’s not just restricted to kids.  Indeed, pre-school up to adults aged 93 years old, have been the recipient of musical instruction over the years.   And talking of inclusivity, the school really tries to accept everyone, especially those of disadvantaged financial means, catering to all types of musical loves.  One can even just come in for a singular lesson in the oboe!  With ensembles, the variety runs from rock band to orchestral. According to Brandon Tesh, Department Chair for Wind, Brass and Percussion, this makes it “like being in a toy store. There’s just all these instruments, drum sets, pianos everywhere, it’s filled with music. It’s really a great space.”

Meanwhile for those looking for concerts in the neighborhood check out The Voice for a comprehensive listing in NYC.

Iroquois Hotel

Japanese Art in Midtown Manhattan

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midtown-manhattanYayaoi Kusama, a Japanese artist, has her first artwork displayed in a permanent public place in midtown Manhattan.  Located at 605 West 42nd Street, close to Shimmie Horn’s Iroquois Hotel which “combines classic design and contemporary amenities to create a quintessentially New York City experience,” the piece is of a bronze pumpkin that is surrounded by the ‘infinity loop motor court,’ at the building’s entrance.

According to CEO of the Moinian Group, Sky developer (which spearheaded the redevelopment of the area), Joseph Moinian, the company is “deeply proud to present New York with its first Yayoi Kusama bronze Pumpkin for all to enjoy.  It is an honor and a privilege to have such an iconic and important work of art by one of the world’s greatest living artists permanently residing in front of Sky. I hope it will become a cherished emblem of culture in the city for generations to come.”

In terms of art, one of Shimmie Horn’s other hotels – the Hotel Chandler – features many architectural elements reminiscent of the Beaux Arts era, designed by Jorge L. Portero.

Designed by Jorge L. Portero, the Hotel Chandler NY shows off numerous architectural elements reminiscent of the Beaux Arts era.

Restaurants

Beetle House Bar

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cocktailsThree days ago Tim Burton got his own bar. Well, sort of.  Beetle House took its inspiration from him and opened on May 6 as a gothic eatery on 308 E. Sixth Street. With its witchy interior, featuring medical equipment artwork, straitjackets and more based on Burton classics, it’s sure to be a popular address for diehard Burton fans.

However, punters can rest assured that real beetle juice will not be on the menu – just a cocktail with that name, alongside Alice’s Cup of Tea and The Headless Horseman. Some of the items on the dinner menu are: Chesire Mac and Cheese, Eggs Skellington and Edward Burger Hands.

And then of course there’s the guy (who’s not being paid by the owner) who just keeps coming dressed in a Beetlejuice costume.  They might want to think of giving him a salary though since he seems to have been quite popular with the patrons until now!

Restaurants

Making Meals More Manageable

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MealPassLunchtime around New York can get a little crazy.  It can be expensive, busy, and overwhelming.  Perhaps though, MealPass will be the solution.  This start-up is promising a cheaper lunch option and a ton of exciting restaurants.  It’s also a great way to encourage people to eat lunch: if you use it every week day, you could end up paying a really small amount – less than $5 for each meal.

MealPass – that works very much like ClassPass – started business at the beginning of the year in Miami and Boston.  It has completely taken off since then, with customers ordering lunch more than 25,000 times through the site.

Currently New York has around 130 participating restaurants, from which MealPass members can select a meal from the lunch menu from 7pm the night before.  They have to put in their choice by 9.30am the day of delivery as restaurants need time to prepare.  Then, members go to the restaurant to collect meals without having to line up or pay on the spot. While it is true there are other companies like UberEats doing this, the main goal of MealPass is affordability.